First Round Playoffs - Deseret News Preview

Muli has been doing some rehab on his sprained ankles, hopefully it will pay dividends, on the field.
On paper, these two teams match up fairly well. However, I give Highland, the advantage, on size. Speed is a tossup, and of course, the home field advantage, going to Bountiful.
If the Rams, can stay disciplined, and avoid penalties, and avoid playing out of position, they will do well. They also, need to tighten up, in their secondary, the DBs need to play smart, and keep everything, in front of them. Turnovers, will play a huge role, in this game, Highland needs to take care, of the ball, and force the Braves, to give it up.
This Highland team is talented, but, they have under-achieved this season, and last. They need to play to their potential, if they do, a championship, is not out of the question!

High school football 4A preview: Highland at Bountiful
By Michael Black
Deseret New

Highland (7-3) at Bountiful (8-2)
4A State Tournament First Round
Friday, 5 p.m.
Parry's Power Guide: Bountiful by 0.5 points
All-time series: Highland leads 23-14
Last meeting: Regular season, Sept. 24, 2004 — Highland 17, Bountiful 10

Glancing over the playoff pairings there were a couple of games that jumped out, and Highland playing Bountiful was one of them.

The two perennial powers in the 4A ranks clashing in the first round is just what any football junky would love to see. Both have impressive records, and both have the talent to compete for a championship — but only one can advance.

The Rams finished third in Region 6 after losing to Cottonwood and East. The Braves were second in Region 5, falling only to Mountain Crest. The Mustangs are one opponent the two teams share in common. Highland lost its opener, 26-21 while the Braves fell 21-7.

Highland's vaunted ground game has again led it to impressive numbers. The Rams average over four touchdowns per game at 29.1 points while surrendering only 12.9. Nick Orchard has stepped into the long line of great decision makers at the helm. He is a dual threat as he has nine rushing touchdowns to go along with eight passing scores. Muli Kinikini supplies the power in the rushing attack and has eight touchdowns. Nate Fakafahua is dangerous in the passing game, and Bridger and Travis Walzer are always dangerous.

The Braves get it done with defense. They lead the classification in points allowed, giving up only eight points per game. Jake Folerson and Travis Parrish are two of the standouts that give opposing offenses nightmares. Offensively, quarterback Drew Miner has thrown for six touchdowns and Mitch Johnson has rushed for nine. Mike Fabrizio has three rushing scores and three receiving.

The debate has raged over which of the respective regions is better, and this game may go along way to answering that question.

Highland statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 29.1 ppg
Scoring defense: 12.9 ppg
Passing leader: Nick Orchard (57-122, 46.7%, 778 yards, 8 TDs)
Rushing leader: Nick Orchard (133 carries, 1,003 yards, 9 TDs)
Receiving leader: Jordan Crayton (15 catches, 155 yards, 1 TD)
Tackles leader: George Heimuli (70 tackles)
Sacks leader: George Heimuli/Muli Kinikini (8 sacks)
Interceptions leader: Zach Baucom (1 interception)

Bountiful statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 19.8 ppg
Scoring defense: 8.0 ppg
Passing leader: Drew Miner (52-83, 62.7%, 574 yards, 6 TDs)
Rushing leader: Kyle Johnson (163 carries, 633 yards, 9 TDs)
Receiving leader: Joey Nelson (16 catches, 170 yards, 0 TDs)
Tackles leader: Jake Folkerson (67 tackles)
Sacks leader: Travis Parrish (5 sacks)
Interceptions leader: Travis Parrish, Connor Winters (4 interceptions)

Highland game-by-game results

08/23 ... Mountain Crest 26, Highland 21
08/29 ... Highland 33, American Fork 15
09/05 ... Highland 13, Skyline 9
09/12 ... East 14, Highland 7
09/19 ... Highland 34, Granger 8
09/26 ... Highland 50, Olympus 13
10/03 ... Cottonwood 32, Highland 21
10/10 ... Highland 35, Cyprus 0
10/15 ... Highland 35, West 12
10/23 ... Highland 42, Murray 0

Bountiful game-by-game results

08/22 ... Lone Peak 21, Bountiful 0
08/29 ... Bountiful 17, Clearfield 0
09/05 ... Bountiful 17, Viewmont 14
09/12 ... Bountiful 17, Bonneville 0
09/19 ... Bountiful 10, Box Elder 3
09/26 ... Mountain Crest 21, Bountiful 7
10/03 ... Bountiful 33, Woods Cross 0
10/10 ... Bountiful 21, Sky View 14